Small Group Lesson Plan for April 8th: The Book of John 13:1-30

Written By: Jon Soden

John 13:1-30 – Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet Before this week’s lesson, read over John 13 and as a group watch the YouTube video titled “He Gets Us - Foot Washing (Super Bowl, 2024)”. He Gets Us - Foot Washing (Super Bowl, 2024)‍ ‍Afterwards, take some time to talk about it before continuing.

To set the stage, let's talk briefly about the context of washing feet. In the ancient Near East during Biblical times, roads were unpaved and dusty (and covered in animal waste). Closed toed shoes were not quite a fashion trend—everyone wore open sandals—and their feet became grimy by the end of day. It was common practice of a home to keep large jars of water at the entrance, specifically used to wash feet, and was considered basic hospitality. However, the host would never wash the feet of his guests. It designated social hierarchy, and was left to the lowest household servants, slaves, and children. In John 13, Jesus displays an amazing example of humility and obedience.

HUMILITY

Most Rabbis would not even allow a student to wash their feet, believing the task was far too degrading. But Jesus, as He so often does, flips the expectation upside down and washes His disciples’ feet Himself. They are shocked, and Peter even says, “You shall never wash my feet” (verse 8).

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently teaches humility: “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11–12) and “those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). But Jesus doesn’t just preach humility—He lives it. He enters the world in a manger in Bethlehem (Luke 2:7). He grows up in a no name town—“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46). He works an ordinary job as a carpenter. Even when Satan offers Him every kingdom on earth, Jesus chooses a life where “the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

After washing their feet, Jesus explains the meaning behind His actions (verses 12–17). He sets a pattern for how we are to treat others—even those considered “less than.” This is not a suggestion; it’s a command. And with it comes a promise: “You will be blessed” (verse 17).

Foot washing is not a sign of weakness—it’s a picture of strength, honor, and obedience. Our culture, however, celebrates status, hierarchy, and power. How much money do you make? What kind of car do you drive? What job title do you have? Narcissism has become normal. But Paul reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). If Jesus is willing to humble himself before others, how much more should we be willing to serve others and humble ourselves? This is so much easier said than done, but challenge yourself to show humility in your daily life, especially in the moments it’s hardest to do so. It's important to note that you do not have to have some magical feeling and sense of humility when you wake up in the morning or when placed in these situations. Rather, it's a daily choice that you decide to make and live by.

OBEDIENCE

The story of Jesus washing his disciples feet is a very well known story of the Bible. It is so beautiful that scripture can speak to us in so many different ways—whether it is your first time reading this chapter or your one hundredth—you can walk away learning something new. For me, nothing hit harder than realizing Jesus washed Judas’ feet—fully aware of the betrayal that was moments away. Right after the foot washing, we read “Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘one of you is going to betray me’” (Verse 21). Jesus wasn’t numb to the moment. He was deeply troubled—yet He still knelt down and washed Judas’ feet. He chose obedience over emotion. Jesus sets aside his feelings to do what is right. Many times in life, our emotions, thoughts, and feelings can oppose what actions we know are right; we are faced with the decision to listen to these intrusive thoughts or take the correct action despite them. Jesus sets the example that he was still willing to wash Judas’ feet. I imagine Jesus washing Judas’ feet while being on the verge of tears—possibly angry, upset, sad and confused…but obedient. Oftentimes, as humans, our actions mirror our emotions and feelings. As Christians, we are called to a higher standard. Jesus teaches this same principle in Matthew 5: ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 NIV These words are not shocking—but it is shocking that Jesus lived them out every single day. It is easy to say you should be kind to your enemy, but a whole different story to follow through in the heat of the moment. It is easy for us to love those that love us back. But, as Jesus says, “do not even pagans do that.” There are far fewer times where I go out of my way to love those that are difficult, hostile, or frustrating. Jesus sets this standard throughout the Bible, whether it be washing Judas feet, forgiving his executioners on the cross (Luke 23:34), protecting the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), and continuously dining with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5: 29-32). Jesus states in the previous passage, “if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?” As a Christian, we are called to be set apart. We might not face the same circumstances as Jesus, but the “He Gets Us” commercial can be a great example of how we can set ourselves apart and show the love of Jesus to others. For many, actions speak louder than words.

SPIRITUAL CLEANSING

It’s sobering to realize Jesus washed the feet of the man who would hand Him over to be crucified. But it cuts even deeper when we recognize that we are also the ones whose sin put Him on that cross. Yet Jesus didn’t just wash our feet—He washed and purified our souls for eternity. “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (verse 8). He may have spoken those words to the disciples in the room, but the invitation extends to all of humanity. Whether it’s Judas’ betrayal or our own sin, every one of us deserves the wrath of God. But through Jesus, we are spiritually cleansed: “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9).

Jesus washes Judas’ feet knowing betrayal is coming (verses 18–30). He washes Peter’s feet knowing denial is coming (verses 31–38). Jesus doesn’t reserve cleansing for the clean—He offers it freely, even to the ones who will fail Him. The Bible is full of stories of redemption: David, Jonah, the lost sheep, the prodigal son. If Judas had returned in repentance, Jesus would have welcomed him too. The tragedy is not that Judas sinned—it’s that he never came back. Peter did. And Jesus restored him (which we will talk about next week). Spiritual cleansing is not about being perfect (then we would not need cleaning). It’s about returning to the One who can make us clean. Jesus’ invitation is open to all, but we must choose to come to Him.

CONCLUSION

By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus gives us a clear example of humility and obedience. He didn’t wake up that day with warm, fuzzy feelings. In fact, Scripture says it was quite the opposite, yet He still chose to serve. That’s the challenge for us. We won’t always feel humble or obedient, but we can still choose to act the way Jesus did, especially when it’s hardest. Every day we have the opportunity to live this out. Some days our emotions won’t match, but the choice is still ours. Jesus shows us that obedience isn’t about feelings, it’s about faithfulness.

As firefighters, John 13 hits close to home. Most people will never have the chance to serve strangers, the hurting, or the overlooked the way we do. And because we see it so often, it’s easy to become desensitized. This passage pulls us back to the heart behind what we do. It reminds us that every day and every call is a chance to reflect the humility and love of Jesus.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Consider the “He Gets Us” Super Bowl commercial. Can you think of a time in the last month that you went out of your way to help/love/encourage someone you do not get along with. If not, think of someone you can do that for this month.

2. Jesus not only preached humility but also lived it out in everyday, ordinary moments. What is an area of your life where pride tends to show up? And what would choosing humility look like instead?

3. Jesus washed Judas’ feet despite his troubled spirit of getting betrayed by him in an act of obedience. What areas or circumstances in your life is Jesus asking you to be obedient?